Should I go ahead with the Gastric Surgery?

[MelD 0]

Hi all,

Please bare with me as I am new on this site! Here is my story so far and a couple of questions I have at the end.

For the last 2 years I have wanted Gastric Surgery as I have struggled with my weight since I was a teenager. I have done most diets going - as most people on this site have - and failed miserably! The most weight I have ever lost was 2 and a half stone on the Slimming World Diet. I managed to keep this weight off for a while, but over time the weight crept back on and more!

Since I decided and the doctors decided that Weight Loss Surgery is the way to go, I was referred to UCLH in London UK. Due to missing paperwork etc. it has taken all this time to get to the stage I am at now!

I received an email from my surgeon's PA yesterday to tell me that I passed my Psych Assessment and will be receiving a phone call soon from the Admissions Team. Whilst I am happy about this - I am also scared and have doubts in my mind as follows:

Firstly, I haven't been told whether they will be performing the Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass. I hope that it is the Sleeve, but I haven't yet been told.

Secondly, my father is seriously ill in hospital, He has been in intensive care for a month now with no signs of improvement. When he was able to talk, one of the last things he said to me was 'don't have the operation, it will frighten your mother'. I can't tell my mum or brothers as it would put too much stress and worry on them as it is a big operation. They would much rather me lose weight by dieting and exercising. I have tried, but as you all know, it is difficult! My health is starting to be affected with my weight and if I don't do something about it now then it will get worse! Do I listen to my dad or go with what is best for my health? I hate not telling my mum as we are very close and would love to have the extra support (I do have the support of my husband though!).

Thirdly, I have been told that I will be getting a phone call from the Admissions Team soon. I haven't had any checks done on my heart or lungs etc. Also, I haven't been told whether I should go on a liver shrinking diet or not etc. I don't know if I will be having the bypass or sleeve and also will all the checks be done by the Admissions Team before the operation? Everybody talks about Pre-Op assessments,which I have had some. I have had my blood pressure checked, blood test done and weight taken, but that is all the tests done. Is this normal?

Sorry about all the questions - I just wanted to get my fears off my chest and see if anyone has any advice out there!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story!

MelD

[Raine 170]

I think you need to do what is best for YOUR health. I understand your Dad's worries and you not wanting to add extra stress to your family, but you do have the support of your husband and that is great! If you tell your Mom, do it very factually, sometimes that makes the impact better. That is what I did with my family. Give her the stats, you can't argue with that. Sleeve or bypass? Why don't you get to choose? I think the sleeve is the best choice (but again I am biased lol). Your "plumbing" stays the same and you don't have the dumping that occurs with the bypas as well as the malabsoption issues. And when you reach goal, you can eat normal foods all you like just in moderation. You won't be limited. I hope this helps. Good luck on your journey.